Duncan MacKay (footballer)

Duncan MacKay
Personal information
Date of birth 14 July 1937
Place of birth Glasgow, Scotland
Date of death 23 December 2019 (aged 82)
Position(s) Right back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1955–1964 Celtic 162 (5)
1964–1965 Third Lanark 20 (0)
1965–1972 Melbourne Croatia
1974–1977 Perth Azzurri
International career
1958–1960 Scotland U23 4 (1)
1959 SFL trial v SFA 1 (0)
1959–1962 Scotland 14 (0)
1961 SFA trial v SFL 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Duncan MacKay (14 July 1937 – 23 December 2019) was a Scottish footballer who played for Celtic, Third Lanark, Melbourne Croatia, Perth Azzurri and the Scotland national team.

Born in Glasgow, Mackay turned professional when he joined Celtic from Maryhill Harp, aged 17, in 1955. He developed rapidly, making his club debut within two years and earning the first of an eventual 14 caps for the Scotland national side four years later.

Celtic manager Jimmy McGrory's attempts to rejuvenate his side eventually resulted in MacKay's departure from Celtic Park after over 200 first team appearances, the fullback moving to south Glasgow side Third Lanark in November 1964. Thirds were relegated at the end of the 1964–65 season and MacKay was one of several players released.

MacKay opted to move to Australia at this juncture, joining Melbourne Croatia of the Victorian State League. He helped the side to the State title in 1968 and several Dockerty Cup triumphs but left when Croatia were suspended following crowd disturbances in 1972. He returned to Scotland and joined junior club St Anthony's as a player-coach for two years before deciding upon a second stint in Australia. After playing for Perth Azzurri between 1974 and 1977 he coached with South Melbourne and Croatia (now known as Essendon Lions), the latter as Captain-Coach.

MacKay died on 23 December 2019, aged 82.

Honours

Celtic

Melbourne Knights

Perth Azzuri

  • NPL WA Premiers: 1975, 1976
  • Night Series: 1975
  • Top Four Cup: 1976

Individual